Penticton’s art council prepares over 750 gift packages for children and seniors

It’s been a busy two weeks for the Penticton Art Council and there’s still one more day for people to join in on the fun.

The council’s second annual Winter Auction ends at 5 p.m. on Friday (Dec. 17) and over $2,000 has already been raised in support of local art. Proceeds from the online auction are set to go directly back into the Arts Matter Program.

But this year, it’s not just about bidding at an auction and taking home art pieces.

Amid the devastating November floods in Princeton, the council is putting together art packages for children in the affected areas.

Over 750 packages have already been prepared and will be sent to not only children in the Princeton area but also to seniors who are connected to local Penticton organizations like the South Okanagan Women in Need Society.

With a goal of raising $5,000, the art council is making one final push on Friday to get the community involved.

“We believe in a vibrant, flourishing, and sustainable artistic community that is inclusive and accessible to all,” the Penticton and District Community Arts Council said in a statement.

For over 60 years, the city’s art council has offered free artistic events in Penticton, from musical performances to arts and crafts sessions.

The council’s Winter Auction isn’t just an event, however, where people can take home art items — musical lessons, gift baskets and bottles of wine are also to be had when bidding online.

To bid online, the council asks that you visit its Winter Auction website. But to donate directly to the cause that supports both local arts in Penticton and the people affected in Princeton due to the floods, people can visit CanadaHelps page.

READ MORE: 44th annual Penticton Art Auction set for early December

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